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CSK becomes 1st team knocked out of IPL 2025 Playoff race

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01st May, 2025 01:17 IST

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced numerous challenges in IPL 2025. From losing captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to an elbow injury, struggling with the right openers, and a non-performing middle order, things never seemed to fall into place. Despite MS Dhoni taking over as captain, nothing seemed to go their way.

Chepauk, once their fortress, was breached multiple times throughout the season. In the do-or-die match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) today, the Yellow Army suffered a 4-wicket loss. This marked the first time in franchise history that CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

What happened between CSK and PBKS?

Sam Curran fought hard, scoring an impressive 88 off 47 balls, but a late four-wicket burst from Yuzvendra Chahal, including a hat-trick, restricted CSK to 190 all out in 19.2 overs. 

In reply, Prabhsimran Singh (54 off 36) and PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer (72 off 41) both scored half-centuries as Punjab chased down CSK's 191-run target in 19.4 overs. Priyansh Arya (23 off 15) chipped in, while Shashank Singh (23 off 12) supported his captain.

CSK's downfall in IPL 2025

After 10 matches, CSK have just four points, with two wins — one against Mumbai Indians (MI) and another against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Losing again, especially at home, marked their fifth loss at Chepauk, a result no one expected. The decline has been swift and steady. After missing the playoffs in 2020 and finishing second-last, CSK went on to finish ninth in 2022, and now, they are once again out of contention. 

MS Dhoni's captaincy

This loss has raised questions about MS Dhoni's return as captain for IPL 2025. Dhoni handed the captaincy to Gaikwad ahead of 2024 after stepping down in 2023. He briefly reclaimed the role in 2022 due to poor results after Ravindra Jadeja initially took over. Under Dhoni's leadership, CSK has won five IPL titles, but this season has served as a harsh reminder that even the most dominant teams can struggle. 

Fans react

Many fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share their thoughts on CSK’s elimination. Reactions ranged from jokes to sadness, but overall, many shared their opinions.

One user said, "CSK first team to be eliminated... enduko telidu sad ga undi."

Another commented, "Thought SRH would be the first team to get eliminated... but CSK saved us by taking 10th position & getting eliminated before us."

One wrote, "CSK lost and eliminated from IPL. Only good news of the day." 

Another said, "MSD said 'Let me lead' and he led Chennai Super Kings straight out of the tournament."

One fan added, "So CSK is officially eliminated for the playoffs... Top 4 most probably will be RCB, Mumbai, DC, Punjab for the playoffs." 

Teams

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni(w/c), Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana
Impact Subs: Anshul Kamboj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer(c), Josh Inglis(w), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Suryansh Shedge, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh
Impact Subs: Prabhsimran Singh, Musheer Khan, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Xavier Bartlett, Praveen Dubey 

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